Definitions /Dictionary/Glossary - nptel

Low-Pressure Molding: The distribution of relatively uniform low pressure (200 psi or less)
over a resin-bearing fibrous assembly of cellulose, glass, asbestos, or other material, with or
without application of heat from an external source, to form a structure possessing definite
physical properties.
Lubricant: A material added to most sizing to improve the handling and processing properties
of textile strands.
Mandrel: The core tool around which resin-impregnated paper, fabric or fiber is wound to form
pipes, tubes or structural shell shapes.
Manipulator: Highly efficient system eliminating the need for a press screw driven frame
structure that opens and closes the mold in a controlled line of draw to prevent tool damage.
Mat: A fibrous material for reinforced plastic consisting of randomly oriented chopped
filaments, short fibers (with or without a carrier fabric) or swirled filaments loosely held together
with a binder.
Mat Binder: Resin applied to glass fiber and cured during the manufacture of mat that holds
fibers in place and maintains the mat’s shape.
Matched Metal Molding: A reinforced plastics manufacturing process in which matching male
and female metal molds are used (also called compression molding) to form the part with time,
pressure and heat.
Matrix: The resin component of a polymer composite. Both thermoplastic and thermoset resins
may be used, as well as metals, ceramic and glasses. (Plural: matrices.)
Mat Strength: The mat’s ability to resist being pulled apart under tension during impregnation
and molding.
Matchsticks: Strand-to-strand adhesion. A matchstick is a wide bundle that has 3 to 4 times as
many filaments than the majority of bundles in the bed.
Mechanical Properties: A material’s properties, such as compressive and tensile strength and
modulus, those are associated with elastic and inelastic reaction when force is applied. These are
individual relationship between stress and strain.
Melamine: Thermoset resin.
Metallic Fiber: Manufactured fiber composed of metal, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated
plastic or core completely covered by metal.
Microballoons: Microscopic bubbles of glass, ceramic or Phenolic, used as a filler or to create
syntactic foam or putty mixtures.